CBA committee backs multiple policy recommendations tied to 'assembly bill 11 75' to modernize licensure

At its May 15 meeting the California Board of Accountancy’s Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) recommended—and the full board approved—a package of policy proposals intended to implement provisions of “assembly bill 11 75.” The policies cover four main areas: recognition of specific degree programs, acceptance of recognized certificates as a partial substitute for general accounting experience, limited substitution of advanced degrees for experience, and detailed experience requirements and tasks.

CPC staff told the committee that under the proposed approach the board would recognize specific degrees (not entire universities). A recognized degree would make transcript reviews more efficient by allowing staff to confirm degree conformance without re-reviewing every course. The committee also adopted staff recommendations that a CBA-recognized certificate could be accepted to substitute part of the general experience requirement, but that a recognized certificate could not be used as a substitute for earning a bachelor’s degree.

On advanced degrees, staff proposed—and the CPC adopted—two options for which advanced degrees could substitute for up to one year of general accounting experience; the committee emphasized a maximum one-year substitution cap. The CPC also adopted staff recommendations about permissible job tasks and settings that qualify as acceptable experience.

Committee members and staff noted the legislative timeline has shifted: amendments pushed the implementation date for the bill’s licensure requirements to Jan. 1, 2027, and established a two-year window in which candidates could apply under either the new or existing requirements (valid through Dec. 31, 2028). The committee’s actions were presented as formal recommendations directing staff to proceed with drafting regulatory changes and implementation materials.

Board discussion on the floor was limited and several motions were approved by unanimous roll-call votes. Board staff clarified that the board’s recognition would apply to specific conferred degrees rather than an institution as a whole, and members said the policy package aims to expand pathways while maintaining guardrails for consumer protection.

The board’s legislative committee and staff will continue stakeholder engagement and follow the bill as it moves through the Senate. Staff and members indicated they will return with regulatory language and implementation timelines to future meetings.